Job Discussion Forums

[talktome]

I am looking into the possibility of relocating to Colombia in the next couple of months.
What is the cost of living like?
Is there a demand for adult language teachers?
Is it possible to go there and look for work?
How easy or difficult is it to get a work permit or visa?
What is the overall housing situation like?
What is the ESL scene like in Colombia?
Are basic enmities available in Colombia as they are in places like the US and Canada?


Here is my situation:
I am an American, late-30's. I worked in South Korea for 6 years and Kuwait for 6 months. I taught adults exclusively (though I have taught teens). I have a BA and a TESOL certificate (though it is only for 60 hours). I have experience teaching business communication and tourism.
I am not worried about money- I have a pension that amounts to 4.7-4.9 million pesos (depending on the exchange rate).
I don't drink or go out much, looking for a nice place to relax and enjoy tropical weather.
Workwise, looking to teach adults or teens if it is possible.
Again, would like to know the work permit situation as well as the tourism visa situation for Americans, if anyone has information on that.

Thanks in advance

[DebMer]

[spanglish]

We get lots of people on here who are 'looking at' coming or 'possibly' coming to Colombia. Take a look through the previous posts on here. All of your questions (and more) have been answered in great detail.

There won't be much if any need for you to work if you have a pension that is that good.

In terms of living, I'm not sure where I'd recommend you go, given that I've always lived in places because of work opportunities, not quality of life. Once you've read up on the posts here, give us a few more details about what would be appealing to you. Perhaps the outskirts of Medellin or an upper-class area of Barranquilla or Cartagena (I've never been to Cartagena)....?

[simonenglish]

I think that you just need to come over here. A lot of the questions are unanswerable because much depends on where you end up, the people you meet, your quals, the needs of a school, and local factors..

If you have money behind you then just jump on the plane!!

The biggest issue will be the visa. Tourist visas are only one-three months. I would probably just pick a university and enroll on a Spanish course if I were you. You can get a one year student visa then... Working visas depend on the employer sponsoring you. For the part-time work many places won't employ you because they won't help with a visa.

I have been in Cali for three weeks and I am enjoying myself. A lot of the colleges employ teachers from around August, so I hope to get in around then..

For beaches and a tropical climate I would think Cartagena would suit you.

[spanglish]

Let us know how things go, simon. I think ICESI is the place to work in Cali, so try to get your foot in the door there. I've never been to Cali, so one of these days I'll have to head down there and check out the Salsa scene.

[CarolinaTHeels]

You have a pension of almost 5 mil.....

What you waiting on? Jump on a plane, and get your living situated and look for work.

Not like you will be stressed for money.

[CarolinaTHeels]

Also I think Santa Marta would suite you more than Cartagena.

fug, id kill for a pension of almost 5 mil in colombia! lucky *beep*! lol

[simonenglish]

I was thinking of Santa Marta but I don't know what the ESL schools are like, or if there are any decent universities to teach at. Obviously, your choices will be limited compared to Colombia's big four cities..

Regarding Cali, I have been dancing a lot here. If anyone wants info on salsa in Cali then just send me a PM. The weekend starts on Thursday. Thurs-Sun is great.

[Rainingsteel]

[simonenglish]

I can make some points but I don't want to hijack the thread and talk salsa, salsa, salsa! You can PM me or I may start a 'salsa in Cali' thread perhaps..

Average price for a private salsa lesson is 35,000 pesos. There are a number of teachers and schools to choose from. Most of the schools are in the south though, and not easy to get to other than taxi (no metro in Cali, and bus service is not the best). Lots of clubs, but again many are on the outskirts and you need a taxi and a group of friends..

Easiest places to get to and to go alone if need be are Tin Tin Deo and Zaperoco.

I heard that Barranquilla has quite a long salsa history, so I think there are places to dance, no problem.

Regarding improving your salsa, you will need months of practice I think. The beginner lessons in the hostels look like zumba workout lessons to me, and above that learning to do all the Cali steps in time and with rhythm takes practice!! Very different from spinny on1 salsa, anyway.

[Jmthomas]

I am no expert when it comes to salsa but you may find how they dance on the coast is a lot different from inland particularly Cali. In BAQ they do dance salsa but at least with most of the population it tends to be a bit of a lazy shuffle, done as if you are half a sleep.

Yes I am generalizing, there are no doubt places and dancers who dance proper salsa (but they are probably from outside of BAQ!!). Cali from what I have heard is the salsa capital of Colombia if you really want to learn. Also you may find it is a bit more commercial, when looking in to possibilities of work in Colombia I noticed Cali seemed more active than the coast.

[windowlicker]

[talktome]

You're right- a lot depends on where you end up.
However, I was in the mind set after teaching in South Korea for so long; all cities were pretty much the same...its good to know there is a little more variety in Colombia.

The advantage I had before teaching in South Korea was being assigned there for 4 years in the US Army (hence the pension)...I was able to get familiar with the country, the people and the culture before I dove right into it.

What I am thinking now is I probably might just enroll on the CELTA course and find out things there while I am studying.

Asides from my 6 years experience, I have a BA in Liberal Arts and a 60-hour TESL certificate.
However, before I even think of going for my CELTA, I was considering enrolling in a M.ED course in TESOL.
Would that help me find a job at a uni, college or high school?


I have a lot of questions as I am now seriously considering going to Colombia....anyone with knowledge and who is able and willing to help me....pm me pls.

Thanx a bunch

[G22]

The cost of living depends on how you want to live. You can get by on a $1,000 US a month if you're careful. There are a lot of people teaching ESL here, depends on your prior experience and qualifications as well as a bit of luck if you want one of the better jobs.

[CarolinaTHeels]

M.Ed in TESOL will def help you ALOT if you want to get a good Uni gig.